Bruce Onobrakpeya (b. 1931) is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious patristic pioneers.

He grew up in Delta State, Nigeria, and obtained a Diploma in Fine Arts and a Teacher’s Certificate from the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology (now called Ahmadu Bello University) in 1962.

Onobrakpeya was a pioneer member of the Zaria Art Society, a student group which sought to develop a new aesthetic language deeply rooted in African tradition and philosophy. The group included Uche Okeke, Yusuf Grillo, Demas Nwoko, Oseloka Osadebe and other students who drew strength from the post-colonial independence movement. These aspiring young artists were later called the “Zaria Rebels” and quickly made their mark internationally.

Onobrakpeya has received many awards and his works have been exhibited at the Venice Biennale in 1990, the Tate Modern in London, the National Museum of African Art of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., The Malmö Konsthall in Malmö, Sweden and The National Gallery of Modern Art, Lagos to name a few. He received the UNESCO Living Human Treasures Award in 2006.